Celebrating Drew

We celebrated Drew's 3rd birthday on the 19th. It's hard to believe that 3 years have gone by since he was born. I have to say that he is the cutest thing ever though! I really enjoy watching him daily. I find myself just staring at him in amazement of his cuteness. He is such an easy going kid, and so easy to get along with. Next year he will probably start preschool and he will be so thrilled,as now we find him daily grabbing his backpack and running out the door in his jammies as I take the girls to school--he is quite disappointed when he doesn't get to go in. It will all come soon enough--why are these kids so anxious to grow up? Here are some highlights from his very snowey birthday. I made a dairy-egg free Rice Krispie birthday cake. Enjoying the evening at Jump On It! 50 or so trampolines hooked together so you can run from tramp to tramp--Brilliant I say! Drew got a new Geo Trax airplane to go with his train--this kids is all boy!

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

Rumor has it.....

Yes, if you haven't heard by now which should be most of you since I've been pretty hush hush about this, rumors are true--We are expecting #4 ! ETA is June 10, 2009--which is the day after Audrey's and Oma's birthday, 1 week before Owen's birthday and 1 week before Father's Day. I think the month of June is going to be a Busy one for us!
The Funny part is that Owen and I only see each other 7 days a month. It must have been that one wild weekend in Vegas back in September. HeHe! Hey, when these kids want to come, they come. I had to take clomid (fertility drugs) with Maggie and Audrey and then Drew was our little surprise or Love child as Owen calls him and now we have another surprise! We are thrilled to say the least. We wanted one more and Drew will be 3 this week, so it really does come at a good time I guess. As for me, I'm now 15 weeks, and feeling sooooo much better. The morning sickness was the worst out of all 4 pregnancies. Hallelulah that part's over! And as for finding out if it's a girl or boy? Well, Owen and I love surprises, and we didn't find out with Audrey and it was so much fun--so everyone will be in suspense until June!

telling the kids

When we told the kids we had them pick a clue out of the bag and try to guess what it is. They were clueless, and we had to eventually tell them.
If my battery hadn't died, we would have gotten Maggie's true reaction which was not good. Let's just say that she isn't thrilled about the idea of having another little person to steal her thunder. I really think she was meant to be an only child. I'm sure she'll get used to the idea, but I kind of got the silent treatment for the day. She said, "why did you pray to Heavenly Father and ask him to put a baby in your belly?" We said, "hey, it wasn't our idea" , and then I explained about how important it is to get a body. We are still having issues, but I'm sure with time it will be great.

Christmas Tag!

Anyone can play--just copy and paste!

1.CANDY CANES--PEPPERMINT OR CHERRY?
Cherry

2.GINGERBREAD HOUSES--KIT OR HOMEMADE?
I have attempted a homemade one several times and the walls never stick well and always end up falling down--the kits just aren't as cute I'm afraid

3.MOST ANNOYING CHRISTMAS SONG
Hmm..it's a tossup between Feliz Navidad and The Christmas Shoes--I will have to go with the Christmas Shoes--Sorry if any of you like it, but it is by far the cheesiest most overplayed song and I CAN"T STAND IT!!!!!

4.FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG
Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella and I love It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, but it has to be sung by Andy Williams

5.MOST MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS PRESENT YOU RECEIVED AS A CHILD
I was probably 7 and wanted this life sized doll. When I awoke on Christmas at 4am i went to the living room and saw this big wrapped present and I felt the box and knew I got it! It really looks like a 4 month old baby--that was until Kent Newell played shaking baby syndrome with it and knocked it's head right off of it 's shoulders.

6. MOST MATERIALISTIC THING YOU'RE ASKING SANTA FOR THIS YEAR
Does a Wii and a flat screen come in the materialistic category?

7. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE
Love, Love, Love Christmas movies and have most of them in my collection--my favorite is The Grinch with Jim Carrey though!

8. CHRISTMAS MUSIC--DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN OR DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING?
I get so excited to start listening the day after Halloween--but now I'm burned out and am hardly listening to it anymore--they started playing it 24/7 here on Nov. 1st.--nuts I tell you!

9. DO YOU BELIEVE?
Of Course!

10. GET DRESSED BEFORE OPENING YOUR PRESENTS, OR STAY IN PJ'S?
PJ's--who gets dressed?

11. BLACK FRIDAY?
Used to every year growing up with my mom and aunt and cousins--we would sleep over at my Grandma's on Thanksgiving and wake up and eat leftovers and shop until we dropped. Now that I'm married to Owen, he has kind of discouraged me from going, but I think it's because we've never had money

12. WHITE LIGHTS OR COLORED?
Both, but I prefer white on my tree, but I love colored lights outside on trees and houses

13. EVER BEEN TO THE NUTCRACKER?
Yes! And I just may take the girls this year

14. DOES SANTA LEAVE AN ORANGE IN THE TOE OF YOUR STOCKING?
usually it's a clementine--yum yum!

So Stupid, but I had to know

In the past, I would occasionally watch that stupid Dr. 90210 on the E channel. Owen would feel compelled to watch it with me just to spend time with me, but deep down he HATED it! we have had a few discussions about Dr. Robert Rey. He has briefly mentioned how some missionaries found him in Brazil and changed his life. I thought for sure he was talking about Mormon missionaries, and that he was a member, but probably inactive. On one particular episode, he traveled to South America to do some cases on children with birth defects. He traveled with another Dr. who I recognized from working 11 years at Utah Valley Hospital. So, low and behold, last night I'm at our small market by our house, and I run into this Plastic surgeon whom I had seen on T.V. I approached him feeling kind of stupid and awkward, and asked him if Dr, Rey was a Mormon. well......He is, he is very active and takes his kids to primary every week and faithfully does his home teaching. He listens to conference talks while he does surgery, and he is even endowed. (which was questionable because of the way he dresses on the show, but he said that he is obsessed with the show that the way he dresses and the things he does, is all for the show.) His wife is a member, but inactive and her mother in anti Mormon. I hope I'm not spreading gossip, but I did get this info from a reputable source. I'm sure most of you could care less, but whew! I'm glad I got that off my chest!

Polar Express!

This year we splurged and took our kids on the Polar Express ..aka Heber Creeper. We all showed up in our jammies--funny thing, Owen really wanted to get those jammies with the feet in them and he even tried on a pair at Target with glow in the dark dinosaurs, but they were too small. He was quite disappointed, but I informed him that he really would have felt so stupid showing up looking like that. We were some of the only parents who actually wore our jammies--the other parents just don't believe I guess. We rode the train for 1 1/2 hours, and while riding, we were served hot choc-o-late, and cookies. We sang Christmas Carols, and read the Polar express together as a train. Then we looked out the train window, and there was a big sign that said North Pole on it and Santa himself was waving to us. He climbed aboard and gave each of the children a bell from his sleigh. We really did have a great time, and I guess the kids did too!


The kids with Santa

The Chefs even got into the spirit and put on quite a show

Singing Christmas Carols

Thankful for good friends.

My good friend Melinda came to Utah for Thanksgiving, and gave me a ring. Melinda was my 1st friend in Philly and we lived right next to each other for 2 years and then she left me and moved to a far away land. (Alaska) I haven't seen her in 3 1/2 years, so it was so good to catch up --without kids and have lunch. If only Melinda lived closer, it would be so much fun to live by you again. Sorry, Alaska is probably never going to happen for us. If you are friends with Melinda, then you'll understand why I think the world of her. She is genuine, so kind, has a great personality, and so much fun to be around. I lucked out when we moved to Philly and got to be such good friends with her.

Gymnastics

Audrey and Drew just finished up Gymnastics and loved it! Drew was actually in the tumble tots class because you have to be 4 to be in the regular gymnastics class, but his teacher said he did so well, that he would be able to join the big kid class in January. I think Audrey is a natural. She did very well for her first class. My highlight was watching her and her peeps. She and these 2 little girls that were in her group loved to bang bellies together and pick each other up--sounds gross? well, it wasn't,it's just 5 year olds being 5 year olds.

Home Dentistry

I have had a fractured tooth for quite a while, and lately is's really been bugging me. The plan is to have Owen fix it for me when I go to Cali for Christmas, well, it just didn't quite make it. It broke off and I ate it. So when Owen was visiting, we decided to do a little temporary cementing. The girls really loved being Owen's assistants.

Audrey loves Cats

No, we don't have a cat. Hard to tell, but this is Eyesis, and she is our neighbors cat, but she pretty much is our pet. She is at our house all of the time, which is surprising because Audrey and Drew carry her around by her upper body, and she used to be the sweetest cat, but now she growls quite a bit at them--the kids love her, but I really don't think we're quite ready for a permanant pet.

I love this kid!

Drew...he drives you bonkers one minute, and the next he's just so dang sweet. Overall, he is such a good kid! So much easier than the girls! No raging hormones I guess. His favorite thing to say is "I'm Happy." In fact he tells everyone that he's happy--even strangers in the elevator. I'm so gald he makes the best of things despite the fact that he misses out on so many tasty things in life because of his food allergies. His 3rd birthday is coming up, and I'm debating if he'll have a watermelon cake--that would be watermelon only (which he LOVES!) or a giant rice krispie treat. I make it without the butter and it turns out the same. He truely is a happy boy!

Twilight!

No...I didn't venture out with the millions of teens this morning at 12:00 a.m., but I did catch the 10:45 show this morning--I don't think I've ever been to a movie that early before. We could have gone even earlier, but that show was sold out!!! So, myself, Amberlee and Carlin had a great time! (Thanks Amberlee for standing in line at 8:30 this morning--are we nuts or what???
I give it a thumbs up, but I must say that ....the book is better! They covered most of the major events, but man there were so many juicy details that just didn't make the cut--too bad! And Edward...well I prefer my vision of him in my head--he was supposed to have really dark hair. After the movie was over, I was already to start New Moon--too bad they haven't even started filming yet.

Happy 11 years!

November 6, 1997 Owen and I were married in the Bountiful Utah Temple!~ This was our engagement photo--don't we look young? It's been quite the adventurous ride and we're hoping for another great 11 years! LOTS of school (This is the 1st year Owen hasn't been in school since we've been married--and to think we're going back for 2 more years next summer!) 3 awesome kids and lots of moving and good times! I Love you Lovey! Sorry we can't be together today!

BOO TO YOU!

Here is an enlarged photo of the kids on Halloween!

Jr. Jazz

Maggie just finished her 1st season with Jr. Jazz and LOVED it! Some days were so painful and I mean PAINFUL to watch--(she has never played before) but she got the award for most improved player! It will be nice to take a break from the every Tuesday and Thursday madness, but she has already informed me that she wants to start up again in February. SO I think from now until then, we will have to work on some drills. As soon as I get her team photo scanned, I'll post it--it's hilarious!

Bowling with Dad

Last weekend, Owen was here, so we went to BYU to bowl. Best place to bowl because you don't come out smelling like an ashtray. With the help of bumper lanes, and this contraption to help the kids roll their ball, we had a nice scoring game. Owen thinks I should be on a bumper lane leugue,--I socred 155 and had 4 strikes and 1 turkey. Owen on the other hand, well lets just say good thing for those bumper lanes, or he would have had a lot of gutter balls!

October 18, 1995

Ok, this is the only photo I could find since all my mission photos are in storage. But it is a rather funny one. 13 years ago, I went into the MTC and on November 8, flew out to serve my mission in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg mission. Utah in the fall always reminds me of when I was first a missionary, and when I went to the Temple. I had so many awesome experiences as a missionary and wouldn't trade the hardest, yet most rewarding year and a half of my life! Now, come to think of it, I would say that being a parent might take over that hardest most rewarding --both challenging in different ways. I always laugh at this photo, because I had the BEST trainer Sister Maria VanCott, and she taught me how to work my tail off. This picture was taken in Millersville, Pa--right outside of Lancaster. It was COLD, ICE RAINING, and our cars were parked, so we had to ride bikes. I was only out maybe a week, and a little homesick, ok maybe a lot. We had just come back from a long day of tracting and getting lots of doors slammed in our faces. I was mad and not feeling the spirit. My comp took this pic to remind me of one of the most priceless moments in my life, and to help me remember that it was all for the Lord! Thanks Sis VanCott, for setting the stage for me to have a great mission. I wouldn't trade that time for anything, and hope that my children will have the desire to serve a mission someday.

Vintage Shirt

Found this shirt in a box at my moms house, and decided to wash it and let Drew wear it. It was my brothers, and it is a classic. It has the pointed collar and on the shirt it has little cannons that are shooting out and it says "BOOM" It just happens to be Drew's favorite shirt. If it's clean and in his drawer, it's the first shirt he picks out. You need to enlarge it to get the full effect. What a nut!

A trip to the pumpkin patch

Owen was here last weekend, and we took a little day trip out to the VIneyard for Pumpkins. We also checked out Thanksgiving Pointe and Garner Village--it was a very busy fall day!--I was a little disappointed that I couldn't find a pumpkin patch that the kids could actually pick their own pumpkins like in Pennsylvania --so we had to settle for browsing in the aile of the Vineyard--just isn't the same.

Where is this place I call home?

Each day I'm reminded what an incredibly beautiful place I live in. Not to mention living right up against the mountains is completely amazing! When I drop the kids off at school, I always catch the sun rising over the mountains in Rock Canyon and I just think this is so awesome! How did I live away from this beauty for 5 years? Although, Pennsylvania was pretty dang gorgeous too!

Slacker!

I am usually a very consistent blogger--not like my friends Robyn, Angie and Christina.--hint hint.( it really doesn't matter--they won't see this anyways.) But since I've moved to Utah and using my moms computer, it just isn't as convienent to download pics as it is on my laptop and in order to get internet connection on the laptop, after switching the ethernet cord, I have to run to the garage and click the reset button. It really is a pain--and I really need wireless I tell you! So I will be better--expect several posts in the next couple of weeks.

Miracles!

Today, our Prophet Thomas S. Monsen announced that they will be building a temple in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It brought tears to my eyes for sometime. Just recently moving from Pennsylvania where we lived in Philadelphia for 4 years and Allentown for 1 year, we saw the faithfulness of the saints, and the rapid growth in the Logan ward in Philly. I remember so many members bearing their testimonies about how much faith they had that there would be a temple in Pennsylvania soon, and to think that it's going to be so close to where they all live. Owen told me that the church was looking at property in King of Prussia which is maybe 20 min out of Philly and 40 min out of Allentown. I'm not sure how accurate the location is though. It is extra special to us though because Owen and I both served our missions in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg mission, so we are so excited for all of the members in that mission too! The dedication will definitely be something that we will want to attend!

Hey! No Laughing!

Last week a few my high school friends whom I haven't seen in years were able to get together for lunch, Of course we are missing a couple from our little "Harem" group.(we were the Harem--something about us hanging out with Cathy's brother who was in college)--Linda who is living it up in NYC and Sarah who is starting a new business and was too busy to come. Of course our lives have all changed and are so different from one anothers, but it was fun to hang out on an adult level--we're hoping to have many other outings soon! I tried to convince them to go to the Timpview Homecoming game with me, and we could yell out our favorite cheer "stand up and yell your year 92,92,9992"--it probably doesn't make any sense to you. Good Times!
Don't laugh! I realize that the early 90's were just as bad as the 80's--I know you're thinking "what's with all that lace?" and "what's with all that hair?"

Senior Year 1992 Laura, Holly, Sarah--Cathy, Carlin, Linda


September 2008 Carlin, Holly, Laura and Cathy and all the kiddos

7 year olds

Yesterday Maggie was a little late coming out to the car when I picked her up from school. My first thought was that she panicked and went to the office--she has severe anxiety about me not picking her up from school--something about her being left home alone with the other kids when we lived in Philly--long story. So we've made an agreement that if I'm a little late, she goes to the office. Well, she finally came out and said that she had to walk this kid out to the back of the school. I thought nothing of it, until this morning , she told me that her friend Spencer that sits next to her on the carpet during rug time told her that he wanted to smell her feet. So they made arrangements after school to meet in the back of the school behind the bushes so he could smell her feet. Is this a sign to come that I'm going to have to worry about what my kids are doing in the bushes with boys when they're older? i sure hope not!

You know you're in Utah when.....

sorry for this post, but I'm just not quite used to living here after 5 years. Some days as I'm driving through town, I notice Utah license plates and I get really excited--maybe I know them? Then I realize that I'm not in PA anymore, I'm actually in Utah! Don't get me wrong, I love it here. In fact, I always said that I didn't want to ever live here again, but OWen and I are really starting to have 2nd thoughts.
Anyways......I volunteer in Audrey's Kindergarten class once a week. Today this little girl goes up to the teacher and says, "Sister Bigelow, where do we put our papers?" Mrs. Bigelow replied, "Can you tell we are in the same ward." I guess I'm just not used to being surrounded by so many mormons.

Why do Utans have to have the latest and the greatest? I swear, when I lived in ALlentown, I would tell Owen about how I wanted a convertable mini cooper some day--saw a few here and there, and then I move to Utah, and EVERYONE has one!

Elementary BYU 1 mile race

Tonight Maggie ran her 1st race at the BYU track with several other schools in Utah County. She ran with all the other 2nd grade girls. Unfortunately, she got a really bad side ache--believe me, I know--used to get them all the time when I ran track and soccer in high school--hope she hasn't develpoed my genes. She struggled, but she LOVES to run, so we know this isn't the end for her! Good job Mags! We're really proud of you!

Seussical the Musical

Last night we took the kids to see Seussical the Musical. My mom knows everyone in this town, and so she was able to get us free tix. I was very impressed! The Cat in the Hat was by far the best and we really did have a great time! After we got pics with some of the characters--Audrey and Drew were both really shy and terrified of the Grinch, but at least we were able to get one picture of them with someone.

Killing time

My mom had this really old beat up dresser that she wanted me to put my clothes in. I begged her to let me repaint it and put some new hardware on. She was slightly sentimental because she refinished it before she had my older brother 37 years ago. I had to remind her that it is 2008 and time to upgrade. I thought it turned out rather nice and Owen thought it looked like something from Pottery Barn. And it only cost me 20 bucks to do it all. Now I'm looking for my next home decorating project--my mom has this big cool looking green chair that my Grandma gave her when she passed away. I would love to reupholster it--anyone know how?--Cause I have no idea! Sorr the pics are sideways--for some reason they wouldn't flip.

Before

After

It's amazing what a little change of hardware can do!

Utah isms

Why is it that Utah radio stations play the same music that they have played for years? I don't think I've heard Ace of Base since I lived in Utah 5 years ago, and that group came out when I was in high school. I swear I hear it everytime I get in the car now that I'm here in Utah again. Although, when I lived in Philly, I did hear a lot of Barry White, and Elton John's Phildelphia Freedom.

My little Rock Canyon Road Runners

So Maggie started 2nd grade and Audrey started Kindergarten. Yes, I have 2 kids in elementary school! Hard to believe. The craziest thing is that they are going to my old school. It's almost strange--the school looks exactly the same. The 3rd day we were running a little behind and I found myself standing in the hall with Maggie listening to the bugle and then doing the Pledge of Allegience. That is exactly the way it was done when we were late when I went there. Maggie loves her teacher Mrs. Barlow and says she is very nice. Audrey loves Mrs. Bigler and she is only there a half a day, but that is good since she was ecstatic the other day when she came home to tell me that she didn't have to go to school on Labor Day. Lets just say that she's a little less enthusiastic about school than Maggie. I've even seen friends from high school bringing their kids to school. It's all so strange wondering where the time has gone.